How the Loss of LFPA Funding Impacts Our Food System — And What We Can Do Next
In early 2024, the USDA announced it would not be renewing funding for the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program beyond its current cycle. For many farms, food hubs, and food access organizations across the country, this isn’t just a budget shift — it’s a major setback in the effort to create an equitable, community-centered food system.
Here in Connecticut, the impact is already being felt. LFPA helped fuel critical work by supporting:
- Fair prices for local farmers
- Reliable delivery of fresh food to food pantries
- Stronger local economies and food access systems
Without it, our farmers lose a key buyer. Our food pantries lose a vital supply. And the communities we serve — many already facing food insecurity — lose access to the fresh, healthy food they deserve.
Federal Funding Was a Start — But We Need More
LFPA was a transformative initiative, but it was always meant to be temporary. Now is the time for Connecticut to step up with lasting, state-based solutions that keep local food systems strong and equitable.
That means:
- Setting state purchasing standards for schools, hospitals, and other public institutions to buy from local farms
- Funding for food hubs, gleaners, and food access nonprofits that move farm-fresh food to where it’s needed
- Creating infrastructure and policies that ensure resilience beyond temporary federal grants
Other states are already leading the way:
- 🥕 Michigan: “10 Cents a Meal” reimburses schools for purchasing Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables
- 🍎 New York: Farm-to-School programs support regional food hubs and mandate local procurement
- 🥬 Vermont & Massachusetts: Offer expanded funding and incentives for local purchasing at the institutional level
Connecticut’s Opportunity: Support HB 5914
Local advocate Reggy St. Fortcolin, founder of Fridgeport, is helping lead the charge through HB 5914 — a bill in the Connecticut General Assembly that would strengthen local food procurement and food system infrastructure.
🧾 Learn more about Reggy’s work and related advocacy here.
🏛️ Contact your legislator here and tell them you support sustainable, community-based food policy.
Here’s How You Can Help
✅ Call or email your legislator and advocate for HB 5914 and similar initiatives
✅ Support Real Food CT and other local food nonprofits working at the intersection of food access and farm viability
✅ Buy local at every opportunity — every dollar spent locally strengthens the system
✅ Stay informed and share this post to help others understand what’s at stake
LFPA was proof of what’s possible. Now we have to carry that work forward with state-level action, community support, and a clear vision for a better food future.
Because when we invest in local food, we invest in local resilience — and everyone wins.
